Last night we were shocked to learn of the actor’s passing ray stevenson, who was only 58 years old. He wasn’t one of the big stars of his generation, but he did build a great reputation as a character actor both in the public and within the industry. Whether in leading or supporting roles, he was one of those presences that was noticeable.
Heroes or villains, modern criminals or terrifying individuals of the period. From ancient Rome to India. His figure managed to be impressive in any context and place, because his job was in perfect harmony with his physical greatness. In these three proposals that we highlight today we can appreciate that perfect union that made him a highly respected actor.
THE 10 BEST SERIES OF THE DECADE (2010-2019)
‘Roma’ (‘Rome’, 2005-2007)
Created by: John Milius, William J. MacDonald, Bruno Heller. Distribution: Ray Stevenson, Kevin McKidd, Polly Walker, James Purefoy, Ciarán Hinds.
For many there is no doubt: Stevenson was Tito Pullo, the fearsome legionnaire who starred in one of the best historical series of all time. An epic and bloody proposal that cemented HBO’s reputation for making television more daring, with the British acting as one of the most magnetic elements of it through a character that endowed with great personality.
A brutal period series that reimagines with great vigor and palace intrigue the heart of the Roman Empire. Also known for her impossible and often bewildering time jumps, her incredible production values and vast cast of characters made her one of those black leg series of a cable network determined to be more than television.
Watch on HBO Max | Criticism in Espinof
‘Punisher 2: War Zone’ (‘Punisher: War Zone’, 2008)
Address: Lexi Alexander. Distribution: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz, Dash Mihok, Doug Hutchinson.
For many others, there may not be a better version of Marvel’s punisher on the screen than the one Stevenson did in this underrated sequel that surpassed its predecessor. The Netflix series may be the better adaptation, and Jon Bernthal managed to make him a great 3D character, but Stevenson’s version seemed like something straight out of dark comic book panels.
Every second in which his Frank Castle appears is impressive and potentially deadly, giving the perfect grounds for a more than adequate movie in his wild and wrong tone where heads can explode from a punch to the face. Kaffir, hyper-violent, but never takes herself too seriously. The kind of movie that earns a deserved cult following.
Watch on Netflix | Criticism in Espinof
‘RRR’ (2022)
Address: HH Rajamouli. Distribution: Ram Charan, NT Rama Rao Jr., Alia Bhatt, Olivia Morris, Ray Stevenson.
One of his last great films, perhaps the greatest of his career (yes, more than those of Thor where he has an even more secondary role), took him directly to India to give life to one of those bloodthirsty villains who made him as despicable as possible to please hate him. His great delivery is one of the keys for a movie like ‘RRR’ to work so well.
The big action phenomenon of the year which also had ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Avatar: The Sense of Water’, which is not saying little. A euphoric experience that combines crazy action, classic epic drama, criticism of colonialism and even musical cinema in the best way. Within the impossible fantasy that these Indian blockbusters can be, ‘RRR’ is one of the best expressions of the possibilities of this cinema.
Watch on Netflix | Criticism in Espinof
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